Longtime Merlette collaborator April Valencia, Chef, Creative and Founder of Masa Memory, has already shared a glimpse into her life in Oaxaca, and now we’ve gotten to see what her “home away from home” Ischia is like, just in time for the holiday season. Sundrenched days filled with family, friends and good are our inspiration for our own festivities — and we hope yours as well. Hear more from April herself.
“I photographed this in Ischia, my home away from home. Life there is different than when I am back home in LA or in Mexico. In Ischia, it is about spending long days together at the beach, it is about the food and the wine, family dinners and simply being together. “
“Time moves slower, even sunsets seem to hold on a little while longer. I always leave having learned something new about myself and loved ones. The island, my family and friends in Ischia will always be a home I return back to throughout my life.”
“The holidays hold different meanings for each of us. For me, they are less about the days themselves and more about the lead up. Organizing the house for my family to arrive, planning a menu and early mornings prepping tamales and preparing coffee for everyone.”
“There is a special moment when my friends and family first walk into the house, all at the same time, stopped in the doorway - flooding each other with hugs - this is the heart of the holidays for me.”
“I like to travel with Merlette for a couple of reasons: the lightness of the fabrics make each piece easy to pack and they can also be worn for any occasion.
“Whether I am going to the beach, cooking lunch for friends, going to a wedding or a night out in the city… I can wear one of my favorite Merlette dresses.”
Photographed by: April Valencia
